Season’s First Snowfall : Gulmarg transforms into a Winter Wonderland
Fresh snow breathes new life into Kashmir’s premier ski resort, drawing tourists from across globe
Our Special Correspondent
Gulmarg: Gulmarg, Kashmir’s famed hill resort, was transformed into a postcard-perfect winter wonderland on — as the season’s first major snowfall cloaked its rolling meadows, pine forests and slopes in a pristine white blanket. The fresh snow not only marked the formal arrival of winter but also rekindled excitement among tourists and locals alike.
Snowflakes began falling early in the morning, gradually intensifying and covering rooftops, roads and open fields. By afternoon, Gulmarg resembled a fairy-tale landscape, with tall fir trees standing draped in snow and the iconic golf course disappearing beneath a smooth white sheet.
Tourists, many experiencing snowfall for the first time, were visibly thrilled.
“It feels surreal, like walking into a movie scene,” said Rohit Sharma, a tourist from Delhi, as he struggled to hide his excitement. “We planned this trip hoping to see snow, and Gulmarg has exceeded all expectations.”
Families, honeymooners and adventure seekers poured out onto the snow-covered stretches, clicking photographs, building snowmen and enjoying spontaneous snowball fights. The Gulmarg Gondola area witnessed particular buzz, with visitors soaking in panoramic views of snow-clad peaks.
“We came from Mumbai where winters hardly exist,” said Anita Deshmukh, visiting Gulmarg with her children. “This is pure magic for them. They’ve never touched snow before. This moment will stay with us forever.”
Local hoteliers and tourism stakeholders welcomed the snowfall, seeing it as a positive sign for the upcoming winter tourism and skiing season.
“The first snowfall always sets the tone for winter tourism,” said a hotelier in Gulmarg. “Bookings are already picking up, especially from January onwards. Snow like this is a blessing for everyone dependent on tourism.”
For adventure enthusiasts, the snowfall signals the beginning of Gulmarg’s famed ski season, with hopes high for good snow accumulation in the coming weeks.
“This is just the start,” said Thomas Muller, a tourist from Germany and an avid skier. “Gulmarg has some of the best natural slopes in the world. Fresh snow like this makes it incredibly special.”
As evening descended, soft lights from hotels reflected off the snow, adding to the resort’s charm. Despite the biting cold, the mood remained festive, with visitors reluctant to retreat indoors.
With the season’s first snowfall, Gulmarg once again reaffirmed its reputation as Kashmir’s winter jewel—where snow does not just fall, but transforms landscapes, lifts spirits, and brings people closer to nature’s quiet grandeur.
